Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Massive Rotator Cuff Tear

Orthopaedic surgeons have become increasingly interested in the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty to manage massive rotator cuff tears. This has been due to the success we have had with the procedure as the rate of complications decreased, thanks to the significant knowledge we have gained over the course of the past 10 years of using the reverse prosthesis.

Preoperative planning is critical to ensuring proper component placement. At minimum, high-quality anterior-posterior and axillary radiographs are necessary. In my practice, I obtain a thin-cut CT scan on all patients. This allows me to understand the version of the glenoid, the specific wear pattern, and the amount of wear.